Magnetic earring construction including means to concentrate the magnetic force



May 15, 1962 H. J. FEIBELMAN 3,034,320

MAGNETIC EARRING CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING MEANS TO CONCENTRATE THEMAGNETIC FORCE Filed March 21, 1960 1 g 1 I Z I I i I, 24 5 38 j g. 4.32 l 52 J0 J4 [72 ventor',

Hans JFeieZman, y r /MM Att 5.

United rates MAGNETIC EARRING CONSTRUCTION lNCLUD- Filed Mar. 21, 1960,Ser. No. 16,234 1- Claim. (Cl. 633-14) The present invention relates toan earring construction. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to an earring that includes magnetic elements that cooperate toeffectively retain the earring on the ear of the wearer.

The usual construction of earrings heretofore has re quired that aclamping element be utilized to effectively retain the earring on theear of the wearer. These clamping elements have normally consisted of ascrew type of clamp or a clip type of clamping member that coacts withan upright arm to which the ornament is secured for elfectivelyretaining the earring on the ear of the wearer. Many women object to theclamp type of earring because of the pressure necessary to maintain theearring on the ear lobe, and as a result, these heretofore known typesof clamping elements for earrings frequently had to be adjusted inaccordance with the wearers requirements. From an aesthetic point ofview, many Women prefer the pierced type of earring which eliminates theportion of the earring that extends under the ear lobe and therebypresents a neuter appearance. Moreover, the pierced type of earring ismore comfortable in use since the clamping element is eliminated.However, some Women have objections to piercing their ears in order toaccommodate the pierced type of earring and therefore by necessity mustresort to some form of a clamp type of earring construction. The presentinvention is designed to eliminate the objectionable clamping elementheretofore associated with earrings; yet by nature of its construction,the present invention further gives the appearance of being a piercedtype of earring. In order to achieve this unusual effect, the presentinvention incorporates magnetic elements, one of which has the earringornament secured thereto and is positioned on the front side of theWearers ear, and the other of which is independent of the first magneticelement and is positioned on the rear side of the wearers ear, themagnetic elements being effectively retained in position on the wearersear by their magnetic attraction. In order to more elfectively retainthe ornament on the ear of the wearer through the magnetic attraction ofthe magnetic elements, at least one of the magnetic elements embodiedherein is provided with a mild steel pole piece that contacts asubstantial portion of the pole area thereof. By this arrangement, themild steel pole piece is adapted to increase the magnetic flux pathsbetween the opposed magnetic elements, and thus directs the magneticflux into a smaller area at the pole face of the magnetic element itsurrounds. By increasing the working flux, a more direct flux path withless leakage is produced, thereby increasing the force between themagnetic elements to enable them to be more effectively clamped on theear of the wearer.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anearring construction that includes magnetic elements for effectivelyretaining the earring construction on the ear of the wearer.

Still another object is to provide magnetic elements that areindependent and noninterconnected and are adapted to be placed onopposite sides of a wearers ear for effectively retaining an earringornament in position thereon.

Still another object is to provide magnetic elements for use in anearring construction wherein at least one of the magnetic elements ismounted in a metallic shell that de- 3,934,320 Patented May 15, 1962 rce fines a mild steel pole piece for directing the magnetic flux into asmaller area at the pole face thereof, thereby increasing the forcebetween the magnetic elements when they are mounted on the ear of thewearer.

Still another object is to provide an earring which utilizes magneticelements for securement on the ear of a wearer and which includes anornament having a recess formed therein in which one of the magneticelements is secured by a locking disc or ring.

"Still another object is to provide a magnetic earring constructionwherein a magnet is mounted in the ornament of the earring constructionand is secured therein by adhesive material, the outer surface of themagnet being coated by the ornamental coating that is applied to theornament.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered inconnection with the accompanying illustrative drawings. I

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated byme for carrying out my invention:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the earring construction embodied inthe present invention illustrating the relative position of the magneticelements and the earring ornament as they are applied to the ear of thewearer;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the magnetic elements showing one of themagnets encased in a metallic shell;

FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational view of one form of the inventionshowing the manner in which the ornament magnet is retained in positionin its ornament, the

magnet and locking member being shown assembled in the ornament asindicated by the dotted lines; and

FIG. 4 is another form of the invention wherein the ornament magnet isretained in position by an adhesive material and an ornamental coatingthat is applied to the outer surfaces of the ornament.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the magneticearring construction of the present invention is illustrated as it isapplied to the ear of the wearer, the wearers car being indicated indotted lines at it}. The magnetic earring construction embodied hereincomprises an ornament assembly generally indicated at 12 and a retainingunit generally indicated at 14. The ornament assembly 12 includes anornamental member 16 that may be formed in any desired configuration ordesign, but as illustrated in the drawings, is shown in the form of anenlarged pearl button.

Referring to FIG. 3, the ornament assembly 12 is illustrated in detailand as shown includes the ornamental member 16, which is preferablyformed of a metallic material although it is understood that othermaterials, such as plastic, may be utilized therefor. The ornamentalmember 16 is dish shaped in configuration and therefore has a convexornamental outer surface and a concave inner surface that defines arecess 13, the peripheral edge 2d of the ornamental member 16 beingrolled inwardly to form an outer annular rounded portion 22. Positionedin the recess 18 of the ornamental member 16 is a magnet or magneticelement 24. Since the construction of the magnetic element 24 is suchthat the outer surface thereof would not normally project beyond theannular rounded portion 22 of the ornamental member 16, an inner disc 26is provided for supporting the magnetic element 24. The inner disc 26 isslightly dished and is dimensioned such that the peripheral edge thereofengages the inner surface of'the recess 18 at a point spacedapproximately intermediate the inner and outer ends thereof. Themagnetic element 24 is adapted to be seated on the concave side ofsupporting disc 26 and extends outwardly such that the outer surfacethereof is substantial'ly coextensive with the annular portion 22 of theornamental member 16. In order to secure or lock the 28 is an opening34, the diameter of which is slightly less than the. diameter of thecross section of the magnetic element 24. It is seen, therefore, that anannular portion of the retainingring 28 adjacent the opening 36 engagesthe outer peripheral edge 20 of the magnetic element 24 and cooperateswith the supporting disc 26 to securely lock the magnetic element 24within the recess 1'8 of the ornamental memberlfi. As illustrated, theornamental member 16 is formed in substantially a semisphericalconfiguration and thus is adapted to receive the magnetic element 24which is formed ina reduced cylindrical construction. It isunderstoodthat if the ornamental member -16 were formed with anotherconfiguration, the recess 18 and the cooperating magnetic element 24could be formed with a corresponding configuration. I 'When theornamental member .16 is appliedto the ear 10 of the wearer the outersurface of the magnetic element 24 is placed-in engagement with theouter side of the ear 1t Sinee the ornamental member 16 must fit flushagainst theouter surface of the car It the outer surface of the magneticelement 24 is located coextensive with the peripheral portion 22. Thus,the magnetic element 24 is seated within the recess 18 withoutprojecting above the outer edges thereof, and, as such, the ornamentassembly 12 is formed in'a compact construction that does not includeany projecting or extending por-. tions.

nets 24 and 36. The shell 38 is formed of a mild steel material and maybe polished or coated to produce an ornamental finish as desired. It isseen that the increase in force between the magnets 24 and 36 due to thedecreasing of the pole area of the magnet 36 results in a strongerretaining action of the magnetic earring construction as it is appliedto the ear of the wearer.

in use, the ornament assembly 12 is placed on the front side of thewearers ear 19 with the magnetic element 24 engaging the. ear lobe inflush relation therewith. The retaining element 14 is then placed behindthe car it? with the exposed pole face of the magnetic element 36 inengagement with the'rear side of the eat it The magnetic attractionbetween the magnetic elements 24 and 36 causes the retaining element 14and the ornament assembly 12 to be firmly retained in position on thewearers car 19. It is seen that the car I in eifect defines an air spacebetween the magnetic elements, and because of the use of the pole pieceor steel shell 38 in connection with the magnetic element 36, the fluxdensity between the magnetic elements is increased over that which wouldnormally be expected without the use of the pole piece 38. Thus themagnetic earring structure is more firmly retained on the car 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a modified form of the in- I vention isillustrated and shows another manner in which In order to positivelysecure the ornament assembly a 1-2 to the outer surface of the wearersear, the retaining un t 14 is provided and includes a cylindricallyshaped magnet 36. The magnet 36 corresponds in size and shape to themagnetic element 24, and its is understood that if the magnetic element24 were formed in another geometric form, the magnet 36 would besimilarly formed. In the normal use 'of permanent magnets for exerting amechanical force, the opposite poles of the magnets must be positionedin opposed relation. The magnetic flux that results when the magnets arespaced from each other to define an .air gap therebetween' is a functionof the force existing between the two magnetic objects. It has beenfound that by decreasing the pole area of at least one of the magnets,the flux density between the magnets will be increased, therebyincreasing the magnetic force therebetween. The pole area of either ofthe magnets may be decreased by positioning a steel pole piece incontact with the pole surfaces thereof. By utilizing the mild steel polepiece, the magnetic flux isdirected into a smaller area at a pole facevof the magnet, thereby increasing the flux density between the opposedmagnets. V

Referring'now to FIG. -2, the principle discussedrhe'reinabove isillustrated as it is applied to the invention embodied herein, theornament assembly 16 being shown in dotted lines and spaced from themagnetfifi as in the position of use and defining an air gap therewith.In order to decrease the pole area of the magnet 35 and thereby increasethe magnetic force therebetween and the magnet24, a steel shell 38 isprovided and is dimensioned to snugly'receive the magnet 36 therein, apole face 40 of the magnet 36 being exposed. As illustrateddiagrammatically'in FIG. 2, the edges of the steel shell 38 adjacent thepole face 40 are oppositely charged with respect thereto and cooperate,to direct the flux paths into a smaller area. The magnetic pole area isthus decreased, which in efiect increases the flux density, therebymarkedly increasing the force between the ma a magnetic element may beincorporated or employed with an ornamental element. 7 ornament assemblygenerally indicated at 42 includes a solid plastic button 44 that isformed with a convex outer surface that is coated with an ornamentalmaterial in- .dicated at 46 which in effect simulates a pearl button orthe like. Formed in the rear side of the ornamental member is a recess48 in which a magnet 50 is positioned. Therecess 48 is dimensioned tosnugly accommodate the magnet 50 which issecured in place in the recessby applying an adhesive to the undersurfaces thereof and to thecorresponding surfaces of the recess 48. With the magnet 50 disposed inthe recessv 43, the outer surface thereof projects just beyond theadjacent peripheral edge of the ornament and is thus adapted topositively engage thev front side of the ear of the wearer in flashengagement therewith. The exposed surface or outer face of the magnet 44may be disguised by applying the ornamental coating material 46 thereto,

and, as shown in FIG. 4, an annular groove 52 is formed adjacent themagnet 50 intowhich the coating material 46 is deposited to form anannular seal 54. The accumulation of the coating material 46 in thegroove 48 that defines the seal 54 cooperates with the adhesive thatsecures the magnet 50 within the recess 42 to firmly lock the magnet 50in position.

In use, the ornament 42 is placed on the front side of the wearers ear,the magnet 50 engaging the outer surface of the ear. A retaining elementsimilar to the retaining member 14 and including a magnetic elementhaving a shell or pole piece therearound will then be applied to therear side of the ear to secure the ornament 42 on the wearers ear,

In the description of the ornament assemblies 12and 42,. the magnets 24and 50 associated therewith Wei-edescribed as'being formed in acylindrical construction but without a steel shell or pole piecetherearound. It is understood that if necessary or desired these magnetsmay also include a pole piece for concentrating the magnetic V flux intoa smaller area at the pole face thereof. Thus,

if a heavy ornament is utilized, it may be necessary to incorporate asteel shell with both of the magnetic elements that comprise themagnetic earring construction. However, in the preferred form of theinvention, only one of the magnetic elements will utilize a steel shellor pole piece in conjunction therewith.

It is seen that the magnetic earring construction embodied herein issimple inconstruction and may be manufactured relatively inexpensivelybecause of the simplicity As shown in FIG. 4, an

of the magnetic elements and other structural details incorporatedtherein. Since the prior known clamping elements have been eliminated bythis new type of retaining means for earrings, a pierced-ear etfect isachieved. Even though the well-known principle of magnetic attraction isutilized herein, a new result is obtained. Furthermore, by providing themild steel pole piece around the pole area of at least one of themagnetic elements, a concentration of magnetic flux in a smaller area atthe pole face of the magnet is obtained whereby the flux density or fluxpaths are increased to produce a greater magnetic force. Because of theconcentration of the magnetic flux into a smaller area, the magneticelements are firmly retained on the ear of the wearer and cannot bedislodged therefrom, even by shaking of the head or other quickmovements of the wearer. However, because of the relatively largesurface that engages the wearers ear and because of the elimination of aspring tensioned clamping member, a comfortable earring construction isprovided that is both pleasing in appearance and unique in the manner ofapplication thereof.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structureembodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the artthat various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventiveconcept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms hereinshown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of theappended claim.

What is claimed is:

In a magnetic earring construction, a pair of permanent magnets adaptedto be positioned in opposed relation on opposite sides of the ear of awearer, an ornament secured to one of said magnets and being located onthe outer surface of the wearers ear said other magnet having aperipheral wall and mutually oppositely facing pole faces, a cup-shapedmetallic member of magnetically attractable material having a bottom,wall portions, and an open end, said member encasing the other of saidmagnets, said bottom engaging one of said pole faces, and outer surfacesof the peripheral wall of said other magnet directly engaging innersurfaces of the wall portions of said metallic member adjacent to theother said pole face, and a pole face of said other magnet being exposedby'the open end of said cup-shaped metallic member, so that when saidmagnets are located in opposed relation on opposite sides of the wearersear, the magnetic flux between the magnets is directed into a smallerarea at the exposed pole face of said other magnet, wherein the forcebetween said magnets is increased to effectively retain said earringconstruction on the ear of the wearer.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,414,653 Lookholder Jan. 21, 1947 2,483,031 Avedon Sept. 27, 19492,506,600 'Kassovic May 9, 1950 2,510,634 Hull June 6, 1950 2,637,887Goodman et al. May '12, 1953 2,698,917 Van Urk Jan. 4, 1955 2,752,764Lederer July 3, 1956 2,803,953 Zubalik Aug. 27, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS736,482 Great Britain Sept. 7, 1955

